How to Create a Standout Portfolio in Five Easy Steps
Whether you’re applying for your first job, an internship or a post-secondary program, you may find that a portfolio is included as a requirement in the application process. The purpose of a portfolio is to highlight your work, what you can do and who you are. It can feel daunting knowing where to begin, but a portfolio is a great tool to show off your skills and experience separate from, or in addition to, your resume.
We’ve narrowed down everything you need to know about creating a standout portfolio in five easy steps.
1. Solidify the Function
The first step in creating a portfolio is defining the purpose and audience so you can tailor it to match expectations. For example, if the job or program is in an artsy industry, like graphic design, you should reflect that tone and content in the portfolio. Also, if requirements are outlined for the portfolio, make sure you are meeting those conditions.
2. Define a Format
Have you decided how you want to showcase your portfolio? Today, it’s more common to produce a portfolio digitally via a personal website or platform like Canva, Behance or Flickr.
If your interview is in person, however, it may be a nice touch to have a hard-copy version of your portfolio in a binder in case interviewers can’t access it digitally during the meeting. A hard copy also creates a nice leave-behind after the interview.
Either way, make sure to consider what format would best showcase your work while meeting the requirements.
3. Showcase Your Skills
You may have the urge fit all your work into your portfolio. Instead, choose from five to ten projects that showcase your best work and personality. Among the ones you choose, try to include a variety of different pieces to represent your versatility. If you are applying for a job or internship at a large company, you may want to show work you’ve done for a company or organization of a similar size. In the same way, if you’ve worked on projects that would fall under an industry or category similar to the position or program you are applying for, be sure to showcase those projects.
If you’re struggling to decide what to include in the portfolio, consider searching the internet for portfolios others have completed that resemble the one you’re creating. Seeing an example may spark an idea or two!
4. Be Descriptive
In addition to showcasing your work, you should describe the story behind it in a short, engaging way. How did you get from point A to point B? What was the main goal of each project, and what was the result? What challenges did you face along the way, and how did you overcome them? Did you improve upon or create any processes? The answers to these questions can help guide what you include in the portfolio.
Don’t forget to incorporate an “about me” section that describes your background, who you are and your vision. Try not to overlap with what’s already on your resume.
5. Embrace Feedback
The more eyes on your portfolio, the better — especially since it may be the first one you’ve created. Send it to a peer, teacher, mentor or family member to see what constructive feedback they have. Ask them to review it from an angle or lens in mind that matches the employer or person who is asking for the portfolio. They may find a typo you missed or have an idea you didn’t yet consider.
With these five steps under your belt, you should feel more confident in creating a solid portfolio. Don’t forget, this is your time to showcase your abilities and make yourself stand out!